Archive for Civil Rights

Racism continues to be a society issue in the United States. It not only occurs in our daily life, it is continually reported on in the news headlines. American history is not perfect, nor is the current society in which we live today. Slavery was abolished during the Civil War. Laws were passed allowing women to vote. The Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s supposedly ended segregation. Why is racial discrimination still a problem today?

When someone holds on to the faults of the past and keeps it in the present, it does not end the problem; it contributes to it and passes that attitude on to future generations. We should be taking measures to end it, not feed it and let it grow. I will agree that racism occurs today and is still the attitude of many, but I also think it’s unacceptable and damaging to society. Segregation is also wrong and is occurring today.

America is considered the Melting Pot of the world. You can find anyone from any country, heritage or otherwise, throughout the world. America is a place where anything is possible, which is why so many are trying to come here. Why is being just an American not enough? Why do some Americans feel the need to separate themselves into smaller groups of Americans, the dash-Americans? Doesn’t this contribute to racism and segregation? I think it does. I do embrace my heritage, but which do I choose my heritage or my nationality? In my family, we have over ten different heritages and ethnic backgrounds (I have five), but we can all agree on one thing, we are all just Americans. I think if we are proud of our country and need to see an end to racism, we all need to embrace what our country stands for and be just Americans.